Cooper's Lake
This mile long section of La Vase Portages route is probably the most pleasant section of the route to travel, so take your time and enjoy the paddle. The beaver dam at the south end of the lake has been recorded on maps from 1845 and is responsible for keeping the canoeing channel from 6 to 8 feet deep most of the year round.
Telford's Landing, named after the land owner farmers who worked the property in the early 1900's, marks the end of the upper Portage and the put in for Cooper's Lake.
Opposite the landing is Murray's Lookout, named after Dr Murray Leatherdale who worked hard in the 1960's to have La Vase Portages recognized and protected. A short hike, starting from the high water side of the beaver dam on the west bank, brings you to a high clearing for a great view east towards the Mattawa River valley or just to take a break. Great sunrise most summer mornings around 6:00 a.m.
